History lessons don't have to be delivered by a monotone professor in a dull classroom. Some lessons combine living history with learning for an interactive event. Such as is the case with Fort Selden Family Days, where re-enactors take an active role in teaching families about the fort's culture and history at the state monument north of Las Cruces.

The Friends of Fort Selden's Military Re-enactors organize the monthly event. The day is set up to follow a schedule of different activities, such as creating 19th century crafts and eating food prepared by a chuck wagon cook. Young children are encourage to participate.

"Kids need to learn history and this is totally different from the classroom," said Marilyn Weaver, one of the program's organizers.

According to Weaver, Fort Selden's Family Days have been going on for the last 25 years. After a short hiatus, they have once again resumed this year.

February Family Days consisted of weaving crafts for kids, a story time session and a meal prepared by Dave Harkness, the resident chuck wagon cook.

The day's meal was an accurate representation of what would have been consumed during the pioneer days of the late 1800s. Harkness cooked rice, beans, vegetables and Johnny cakes, which are small, fried cornmeal cakes served with a side of molasses.

Harkness says he typically makes his way to the fort every Saturday to cook for different types of groups.

"We do special programs for groups like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, even visiting Russian librarians," Harkness said.

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All re-enactors are dressed in authentic Civil War uniforms and are brimming with historical information, eager to chat with those wanting to know more.

"Even though the program is aimed for kids, it is still interesting to talk to the re-enactors and hear their stories," said participant Melanie D'Isidoro after hearing a story about two soldiers that had died in a dramatic shoot-out.

Fort Selden was built in 1865 as a way of providing a safe stopping point for travelers in the Southwest. The adobe fort also housed units of the United States Infantry and Cavalry during the Civil War. According to the monument's website, the fort represents the United States' post-Civil War westward expansion.

"Many people don't realize that parts of the Civil War took place so close to here," said John Smith, president of the Friends of Fort Selden's Military Re-enactors.

The state monument is filled with mementos from the Civil War era. Guests can wander through the small museum inside the visitors center or explore the ruins of the old fort. Not much is left from the adobe ruins, but if you arrive during one of the fort's Family Days, any of the re-enactors will gladly point out interesting landmarks.

"I demonstrate living history," said Russell Schneider, a re-enactor of 17 years. "My favorite part is the friendship and meeting people from all over. I've been in several battles and fought alongside lawyers and doctors."

The re-enactors will be at Fort Selden's Family Days the second Saturday of every month beginning in April.

The monument is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. Admission is $3 and Sundays are free for New Mexico residents.

The fort is located in Radium Springs, which is about 13 miles north of Las Cruces, just off of Interstate 25.

Monica Soltero is a freelance writer and may be reached at soltero_monica@yahoo.com.

Fort Selden Family Days

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second Saturday of every month

Where: Fort Selden State Monument in Radium Springs

How much: Family Days and Sundays are free for New Mexico residents; regular admission to the monument is $3.

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